Click on the image to learn a little about these soccer icon's or go to FIFA.com to view the entire selection.

A three-time European Footballer of the Year, Johan Cruyff was brains and beauty rolled into one. His vision and masterful technique made him the perfect leader for the Netherlands’ ’Total Football’ generation who thrilled the watching world at Germany 1974.

"He was certainly the best footballer Europe has produced" Franz Beckenbauer

A resplendent performer for both Bayern Munich and West Germany, Franz Beckenbauer redefined the role of libero, and after starring in the 1966 and 1970 FIFA World Cups TM, he finally lifted the hallowed trophy as captain in 1974.

"As a player, he was marked out by intelligence rather than strength. He was more Brazilian than German as a footballer." Pele

He never did win the FIFA World Cup TM, the ultimate prize for a footballer. In fact, it is the only trophy missing from Michel Platini’s stunning collection, but that does not detract from his status as a footballing legend. His technical ability, reading of the game, and amazing ruthlessness in front of goal made him one of the game’s all-time greats.

"When I was a kid and played with my friends, I always chose to be Platini." Zinedine Zidane

Bobby Charlton’s reputation as a gentleman is surpassed only by his exploits as one of the game’s great goalscoring midfielders. The son of a miner rose to the top of the game and all the way to knighthood.

"I’ve never seen anyone go past players as easily as he did." George Best